Ornamental wheel disk structure



April 4 G. A. LYON 2,198,056

1 ORNAMENTAL WHEEL DISK STRUCTURE Original Filed March 7, 1936 4Sheets-Sheet 1 April 23, 1940. LYON 2,198,056

ORNAMENTAL WHEEL DISK STRUCTURE Original Filed March 7, 1936 4Sheets-Sheet 2 eorge fllar d fyarz April 23, 1940. v LYON 5 2,198,056

ORNAMENTAL WHEEL DISK STRUCTURE Original Filed March 7, 1936 4Sheets-Sheet 5 577? Eur:

Apiil 23, '1940 G. A. LYON 2,198,056

ORNAMENTAL WHEEL DISK STRUCTURE Original Filed March 7, 195a 4 SheetsSheet 4 Patented Apr. 23, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICEApplication March 7, 1938, Serial No. 87,654 Renewed April 19, 1939 6Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in ornamental wheel diskstructures highly desirable for attachment over the side surfaces ofvehicle wheels, although the invention will have other uses and purposesas will be apparent to one skilled in the art.

In the art of making ornamental disk structures for covering the sidesurfaces of vehicle wheels, such, for example, as automotive vehiclewheels, the disk structures must be such as to improve the appearancenot only of the wheel but of the vehicle as a whole, and it is desirableto provide the disk structures as economically as possible. It isadditionally desirable to have no means for holding the disk in placevisible from the outer side of the wheel. Also, the disk must be firmlyattached to the wheel in a manner to eliminate rattling, drumming andsimilar noises during operation of the vehicle. While such noises mightbe readily eliminated with means of the character of a hub cap whichengage only with the body portion of a wheel, other difllculty isexperienced when providing a disk which contacts not only the bodyportion of a wheel but the rim of the wheel as well.

With the foregoing in mind, it is an object of this invention to providea wheel disk structure for disposition over the outer side surface of awheel provided with attachment means so arranged as to urge the diskinwardly into tighter contact with the wheel at the time the attachmentmeans are adjusted to hold the disk upon the wheel.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a wheel disk which maybe attached to a wheel while under compression so that the metal of thedisk structure itself is under a strain or tension between separatepoints of contact with the wheel, and which disk is provided withfastening means of a character to maintain such strain or tension in thedisk after it is attached to the wheel.

Still another object of this invention is the provision of an ornamentaldisk structure attachable to a wheel in a manner to hold the disk undera strain or tension, the disk structure having such a formation as toenhance the straining of the disk and insure a tight contact with thewheel.

Also a feature of this invention is the provision of a disk structurefor attachment to a wheel having apertures in the body part thereof, thedisk being attachable to the wheel under a strain or tension by meansengageable with the wheel through said apertures.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a wheel diskstructure arranged to contact a wheel only along one line, butcompressible so as to put the disk structure under strain and force acontacting along another line, whereupon securing means may becomeeffective to hold the disk in contact with the wheel along both lines.

It is also a feature of this invention to provide a wheel disk structurewhich may be placed upon a wheel under compression by mechanical meansand fastened to the wheel in the same manner.

Also an object of the invention is the provision of a wheel diskstructure which may be placed upon a wheel either by mechanical means orby hand and automatically lock itself to the wheel under a strain ortension.

It is also an aim of the present invention to provide a wheel diskstructure arranged for placing upon a wheel solely by hand, but whichdisk structure is under a strain or tension after mounting on the wheel.

Other objects and features of this invention will more fully appear fromthe following description, taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings which illustrate several embodiments thereof, and in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a vehicle wheel, without a tire,equipped with a wheel disk structure embodying principles of the presentinvention;

Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view, takensubstantially as indicated by the staggered section line 11-11 of Figure1, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary sectional enlargement of the upper left handportion of the structure shown in Figure 2, but illustrating an initialoperation in positioning the disk structure upon the wheel;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary sectional view, illustrating the structure inthe upper left hand portion of Figure 2, after the wheel disk structureis attached to the wheel;

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary rear elevational view of thestructure seen in Figure 4;

Figure 6 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view, illustrating aslightly difl'erent form of disk structure, showing the same completelyattached to a vehicle wheel;

Figure 7 is an enlarged fragmentary rear elevational view of thestructure seen in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a fr gmentary sectional view, illustrating a still differentform of disk structure attached to a wheel;

Figure 9 is a side elevational view of a wheel of slightly differentconstruction, showing the same equipped with another form of diskstructure embodying principles of the present invention;

Figure 10 is an enlarged fragmentary central vertical sectional viewtaken substantially as indicated by the line X--X of Figure 9, lookingin the direction df the arrows;

Figure 11 is a fragmentary enlargement of the upper portion of thestructure shown in Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a fragmentary sectional view, illustrating the applicationof a disk structure of somewhat different form to the wheel shown inFigure 9; and

Figure 13 is a fragmentary rear elevational view of the structure shownin Figure 12.

As shown on the drawings:

All of the illustrated embodiments of the present invention embodyattachment means having a bent portion designed to extend through anaperture in the body part of the wheel and engage behind the rear edgeof the aperture to hold the disk in place. embodiment, the wheel will beprovided with a plurality of such apertures, and the disk with a propernumber of formations for engagement through the apertures, it not beingnecessary to have means extending through all of the apertures in thebody part of the wheel in case the wheel is provided with apertures tosimulate spoke holes.

In another instance, the disk is provided with a plurality of projectingelements, each to extend through an aperture in the body part of thewheel, and the disk is held to the wheel by me chanical means undercompression, and other mechanical means, such as dies or the like, areutilized to bend the projections from the disk over the inside edge ofthe body part adjacent the apertures. The disk is thus locked to thewheel under tension in the body part of the disk structure itself.

In another instance, the projections in the disk are made sufficientlylong so as to be bendable by hand while the disk is being held tightlyagainst the wheel.

In both the aforesaid instances, the projections are preferably soshaped that the bending of the projections augments the engagement ofthe disk with the wheel by urging the disk inwardly into tighter contactwith the wheel during the bending operation.

In another instance, the projections in the disk are initiallybent andare of a resilient character so that the disk may be forced on the wheeleither mechanically or by hand, and after the projections have passedthrough the apertures, they will automatically expand and engage therear face of the body part of the wheel due to their own resiliency,thus holding the disk tightly on the wheel and also preferably under astrain or tension in the body part of the disk,

In Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the drawings, I have illustrated a wheelstructure equipped with a disk construction which is applied to thewheel by mechanical means, such as die means or the like. In thisinstance, the wheel includes a rim, generally indicated by numeral l, ofthe drop center type and comprising a base flange 2, intermediateflanges, 3-3 which terminate in the outer rim edges 4-4. Inside the rimis a wheel Of course, in the preferred body part, generally indicated bynumeral 5, and having an inwardly extending flange 8 secured to the baseflange of the rim in any suitable manner, such as by riveting orwelding. This body part is provided with a central fastening flange Ihaving the usual hub opening 8 therein, and arranged to accommodatesecuring means, such as bolts 9, by means of which the wheel may beattached to some vehicle part, such as the brake drum ill or the usualtype of spare wheel carrier.

Radially outward from the fastening flange I, the body part of the wheelis provided with an annular bulge II, and between this bulge and therim, the body part is provided with a plurality of apertures l2 insimulation of the holes or openingsbetweenspokesof a wheel, the bodypart being shaped in simulation of spokes between adjacent apertures.The central opening in the body part of the wheel may normally becovered by means of a suitable hub cap l3 shaped to rest against theannular bulge II. In this instance, the hub cap is retained in positionby a plurality of resilient elements !4 secured in any suitable mannerto the fastening flange l of the body part 5, these elements engagingover the inwardly turned edge of the hub cap, as seen clearly in Figure2.

In this instance, the ornamental disk structure, generally indicated bynumeral l5, comprises an annular ring of relatively thin sheet metalhaving a tortuously shaped inner edge as indicated at IS in Figme l forthe purposes of decoration. The disk I5 is designed, when properlyattached to the wheel, to seat against the rim l and also against thebody part of a wheel. Of course, the disk may be of any desired size,from a relatively narrow band to a size covering substantially theentire outer side surface of the wheel with the cooperation of a hubcap.

In the illustrated instance, the disk I5 is provided with an inwardlycurled outside margin H for contact with the wheel rim, this curledmargin being so shaped as to permit an inward flexing of the bodyportion. of the disk, as will later appear. The opposite edge of thedisk is bent as indicated at l8 to provide substantially edgewisecontact with the body part of the wheel and also permits flexing of thebody portion of the disk. The disk is further provided with aperturescorresponding to the apertures l2 in the body part of the wheel and isso shaped, as indicated at I9, to extend-in the wheel indentationsaround the apertures to simulate spokes and the openings therebetween.As many as may be deemed necessary of the inwardly pressed and aperturedportions l9 are provided along an edge thereof, in this instance theupper edge, with a projection 20, each of which is preferablydove-tailed in shape so as to define a line of bend 2| at the narrowpart of the projection or tab.

In applying the disk I5 to the wheel, suitable mechanism, such as diemeans, is employed. The disk will initially assume the position shown infull lines in Figure 3 relatively to the wheel, with the projections 20extending only partially through the respective apertures l2 in the bodypart 5. The disk is then placed under compression so that the centralpart of the disk is caused to assume the dotted line position of Figure3 or the full line position of Figures 2 and 4, and while the disk isheld in this compressed position, the projections or tabs 20 are bent bythe mechanism along the line 2| to the position seen in Figures 2, 4 and5. The disk is thereby held upon the wheel with the central portion ofthe disk under a definite strain or tension so that the disk willtightly contact therim of the wheel at the part I! of the disk and thebody part of the wheel at the edge |8 of the disk, and the strain ortension to which the disk is subjected effectively eliminates rattling,drumming, vibratory and similar noises. It will be noted that thedovetail shape of the tabs 20 not only define a line of bend, but alsoby their shape tend to urge the central portion of the disk axiallyinwardly during the bending operation, thereby augmenting the tightnessof the engagement between the disk and the wheel and adding to thetension of the central portion of the disk.

In Figures 6 and 7, I have shown the same' wheel as above describedequipped with a disk 2| which may be mounted upon the wheel and securedthereto by hand manipulation. The disk 2| is provided with a turnedinner edge Ila and also with a plurality of recessed and aperturedportions |9a to fit within the simulated spoke openings in the wheel.The outer edge of the disk, in this instance, is curled as indicated at22 to support a hollow cushioning element 23 for contact with the wheelrim This cushioning element 23 may be of substantially any desiredcharacter, but as shown is of the same kind as that set forth, describedand claimed in my co-pending application entitled Ornamental wheel diskstructure, filed November 26, 1934, Serial No. 754,699. Mounting thedisk upon the wheel manually may not, in all instances, result in adefinitely tight engagement with the wheel, and the cushioning elementinsures the elimination of rattling, drumming, vibratory and similarnoises. It, of course, will be readily understood that the disk |5 abovedescribed may also be provided with a cushioning element if so desired.

The disk 2| isprovided with a projection 24 on certain of the portionsl9w, which projection is preferably dove-tailed to define a line' ofbend 25. These projections 24 are in each instance preferably largerthan the aforesaid projections 20 so that the projections or tabs 24 maybe bent by hand, it being understood that when the disk is applied tothe wheel the projections extend through the apertures |2 substantiallyin an axial direction.

In applying the disk 2| to the wheel, it is a simple expedient to placethe disk in position upon the wheel with the various projections 24extending through the respective apertures l2, and while holding thedisk in tight engagement with the wheel, bend the projections to theposition seen in Figures 6 and 7 by hand. The shape of the projectionsaugments the tight association of the disk with the wheel during thebending operation and together with the hand pressure upon the diskinsures the central portion of the disk being subjected to a strain ortension under which it is maintained by the bent tabs 24.

In Figure 8, I have illustrated the same wheel provided with a disk 2|aof the same general construction as the aforesaid disk 2|. Thedifference between the disk 2|a and the disk 2| resides only in the factthat the disk 2|a. is provided with a projection on certain of the parts|9a initially or originally bent as indicated at 26. When the disk isforced upon the wheel, the part 26, after passing through the respectiveaperture l2, will, by its inherent resiliency, spring outwardly into theposition seen in Figure 8 and thereby hold the disk tightly upon thewheel. The arrangement is preferably such that the central portion ofthe disk must be placed undertension as above described in order to havethe projections 26 spring outwardly into hooked engagement with the bodypart of the wheel. The disk 2h: may be applied to the wheel either byhand or by mechanism, as may be deemed most desirable.

In Figures 9 to 13, inclusive, I have illustrated ornamental diskstructures embodying principles of the present invention shownassociated with a slightly different type of vehicle wheel. In thisinstance, with special reference to Figure 10, it will be seen that thewheel includes a rim of the drop center .type generally indicated bynumeral 21. This rim includes a base flange 28, intermediate flanges 29--29, and outside edges 30-40,

all connected in the usual manner. In this instance, the body part 3| ofthe wheel is relatively narrow and includes an inwardly extending flange32 secured in any desired manner to the rim,

such as by welding or riveting. The body part inside these openings thebody part projects axially outwardly as indicated at 40.

In the present instance, the ornamental disk structure is illustrated asextending over the part 40 of the body part of the wheel suiiiciently tobe inside the large portion of the hub cap. The disk 4|, seen in Figures9, 10 andv 11, in-- cludes an outer curled edge 42 shaped to hold acushioning element 43, asabove described, for contact with the wheelrim. The inner edge 44 of the disk is, in this instance, a relativelyplain edge for somewhat tangential contact against the part 46 of thebody portion of the wheel. Between the edges thereof, the disk is formedinwardly as indicated at 45 to project into the openings 39 of the bodypart 3|. For as many vas desired of the portions 45, initially ororiginally bent tabs 46 project inwardly for engagement over the insideedge-of the formations 39 of the body part. These tabs are of suchresiliency that when the disk is forced on the wheel, preferably withsufllcient pressure to subject the central part of the disk to tension,the tabs 46 will automatically spring into the engaged position seen inFigures 10 and 11.

In Figures 12 and 13, I have illustrated the same wheel constructionseen in Figure 10 provided with a disk 41 designed to be mounted on thewheel by mechanism, such as suitable die means. The disk 41 has a rolledouter margin 48 for contact with the wheel rim, and substantially aplain inner edge 49 for engagement against the bulge 40 of the body part3|. The disk is also shaped with rearwardly projecting and aperturedportions 50 to extend in the simulated spoke openings 39 of the wheel.On certain of the projecting portions 50 are a plurality of inwardlyextending tabs 5|, preferably of dovetailed shape for the reasons givenabove, and which are initially substantially horizontal or axial indirection as indicated by the dotted lines in Figure 12.

The disk ll is-so shaped thatupoii initial contactwith the wheel, thedisk {hill contact the wheel at the part It on' e ofthe wheel, the bodyportion of the. disk including g the inner edge 4! thereof beingspacedfrom the the tension imposed upon the central portion of the disk andretains this tension upon the disk. holding the disk firmly to thewheel, in contact at the rolled edge ll with the rim of the wheel and atthe inner edge it with the body part of the wheel, the disk being heldfirmly against drumming. rattling or vibratory noises.

It will be understood that any of the disk structures shown in thedrawings may be equipped in an obvious manner with any of the fasteningmeans, as may be deemed most desirable.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that I have provided ornamentaldisk structures for attachment to the outer side surface of vehiclewheels, which disk structures may be placed upon a wheel eithermechanically or manually, as the case may be. the disk structures whenplaced upon the wheel being held with the central portion of the diskunder a strain or tension so as to insure a tight engagement with thewheel,.the fastening means for the disk being so arranged as to augmentthe strain or tension during the fastening of the disk to the wheel andto hold this tension upon the disk after it is attached to the wheel. Itis also apparent that the disk structure is durable, may be providedwith substantially any desirable a decorative appearance, enhances theappearance not only of the wheel, but also of the entire vehicle, issimple and positive in its functioning and operation, and may beeconomically manufactured.

I'am aware that many changes may be made and numerous details ofconstruction may be varied through a wide range without departing fromthe principles of the present invention, and I, therefore, do notpurpose limiting the patent lo granted hereon otherwise thanis'necessitated by the prior art.

I claim as my invention: 1. In combination, a vehiclewheel including rimand body parts, said body part having aperll tures therein, and anornamental metallic disk disposed over the side surface of the wheel,said disk being shaped to contact both said rim part and said body part,and bent elements on said disk extending through said apertures andengaging said body part, said disk being placed under a bending strainwhen mounted on said wheel and being maintained under tension betweenthe lines of contact of said disk with the rim and body parts by saidelements.

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2. In combination. avehicle wheel having aper Itures'thereimandanornamentaldiskattachedto said wheeiover a side surfacethereof and engaging said wheel along spaced lines of contact, and

projections carried by said disk at points thereon spaced from saidlines of contact of said disk with said wheel spaced to extend throughsaid apertures and bent into contact with the wheel to at-' tach saiddisk to the wheel, said projections being shaped to apply and maintain apredetermined said vehicle wheel and carrying resiliently deiiectableprojections thereon spaced to extend through said apertures in the wheelat the time of attachment and deflectable by a snap-on engagement withthe wheel to hold the disk on the wheel, said disk engaging said wheelalong spaced lines of contact, said resilient projections being shapedto apply a predetermined tension to said disk intermediate said spacedlines of contact.

4. In combination, a vehicle wheel and an ornamental metal memberattached to said wheel over a side surface thereof and formed to engagesaid wheel at radially spaced inner and outer portions of said member,and resilient snap-on wheel engaging means ,on said member between saidspaced portions for 'securingsaid member to said wheel, said memberbeing placed under a transverse bending strain when mounted on saidwheel and being maintained under tension by said resilient means.

5. In combination, a vehicle wheel and an ornamental metal memberattached to said wheel over a side surface thereof and formed-to engagesaid wheel at radially spaced inner and outer portions of said member,and resilient wheel engaging means on said member between said spacedportions for securing said member to said wheel, said member beingplaced under a transverse bending strain when mounted on said wheel andbeing maintained under tension by said means, said wheel including anapertured body part through the apertures of which said means extendsfor resilient snap-on cooperation withshoulders provided in said bodypart at said apertures.

6. In combination, a vehicle wheel and an ornamental member of thinflexible sheet-metal attached to said wheel over a side surface thereofand having a portion in engagement with a part of said wheel, and wheelengaging means on said member remotely spaced from said contacting

